Review: How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles

Book Blurb: Moshav? What’s a moshav? Is it “shopping mall” in Hebrew? I mean, from what Jessica was telling me, Israeli stores have the latest fashions from Europe. That black dress Jessica has is really awesome. I know I’d be selling out if I go with the Sperm Donor to a mall, but I keep thinking about all the great stuff I could bring back home. 

Unfortunately for 16-year-old Amy Nelson, “moshav” is not Hebrew for “shopping mall.” Not even close. Think goats, not Gucci. 

Going to Israel with her estranged Israeli father is the last thing Amy wants to do this summer. She’s got a serious grudge against her dad, a.k.a. “Sperm Donor,” for showing up so rarely in her life. Now he’s dragging her to a war zone to meet a family she’s never known, where she’ll probably be drafted into the army. At the very least, she’ll be stuck in a house with no AC and only one bathroom for seven people all summer—no best friend, no boyfriend, no shopping, no cell phone… 

Goodbye pride—hello Israel.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Review:
This is the third time I'm reading this novel, and Amy still manages to make me laugh with her antics.
Honestly people, if you are a fan of YA contemporary and you haven't read this book yet, you're missing out on something amazing. From the writing style to the plot, everything about this book is just-


So far, I've read all Simone Elkeles' books, and there's not a single one I have not loved. But I've got to say that the How To Ruin series is my all-time favorite.
Initially Amy comes across as bubbly, girly and a little kiddish but as we delve deeper into the story, we find out that she's a lot more than that. She's a genuine, brave, honest and caring person who can do anything for the people she loves. The affection she shows for her grandmother still melts my heart.
I could also find myself relating to her a lot because her personality was somewhat like mine. Though she's definitely a thousand times more crazy than me and somehow manages to find herself in totally weird situations on a daily basis.

Coming to Avi, wellllll..


I MEAN REALLY HOW CAN SOMEONE BE SO AMAZING?
He was the perfect mix of sexy, broody, funny and caring. He had all the traits which are required for becoming my book boyfriend and frankly, I'd be dead jealous of Amy if I didn't love her character so much.

There were so many scenes in this book which I'd just love to describe in detail because of their awesomeness but then I don't want to ruin the fun of this book. This is one novel for which you should march to your nearest bookstore ASAP and grab it off the shelf. Believe me, once you start reading it, you won't be able to stop till you finish it.

Now all I'd like to say is,
If you are in a sad gloomy mood, PICK UP THIS BOOK FOR A HAPPINESS DOSE.
If you are cheery and having a good day, PICK UP THIS BOOK TO MAKE YOUR DAY EVEN MORE PERFECT.
If you are neutral and just feel like reading, PICK UP THIS BOOK AND FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES.

Okay, I'll stop sounding like a weird TV commercial now...I guess the bottom line is that Amy and Avi's story is one which you don't want to miss. Seriously.


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